shit's going down in thorne (what else is new)

[funbreaker]

[ It's early evening when Thancred's message arrives, sent specifically to Istredd, Kyle, Stephen, and Yennefer. These are the people he's identified as the most at risk based on the note he received. To narrow it down to a number that could safely travel without attracting attention in the night had been its own monumental task, and he can only hope he's gotten it right.

Assuming all of them even agree to Jolene's offer. ]

Meet me in the secure wing of Istredd's domain in half an hour.
It's urgent.

[ Did he ask Istredd about this? No. Yet it's where they've had private meetings in the past, such as the one with their allies in the Free Cities, and so it seems the best option. Istredd will understand that if Thancred is invoking this, it's because it's serious. ]

Comments

[funbreaker]

[ Thancred arrives to Istredd's domain twenty minutes after he sent the message, confident that Istredd will meet him there and allow him into the warded part of his library. This is about as secure as a meeting between Summoned could possibly be, and while it does bleed away some of the anxiety induced by the secret message he received, the urgency is still very much present in his gait and on his face as they make their way behind closed doors. ]

Things are coming to a head.

[ That's all he says by way of explanation until the rest arrive. Once Kyle, Stephen, and Yennefer have filed in, each looking some version of stoic, Thancred turns to the four of them. He shuts his eyes for a beat, then plants both hands on the large wooden table situated in the center of the so-called reading room. ]

I received a message minutes before I sent that message, from Jolene Sybell. She has reason to believe that there will be an incident in the castle tonight, some manner of power play. The details are scant, but my assumption is Sidwell and his people will make an attempt to oust the royal family and seize the castle for themselves.

[ Is this a good thing? A bad thing? It's hard to know. None of them are particularly thrilled with the actions of the Queen, but will Admiral Sidwell be any better? It's entirely possible he could be worse, that his military alignment will lead to all-out war with the Free Cities.

There isn't time to discuss all the political details. Thancred's gaze moves from one face to another as he heaves out a sigh. This all feels far too familiar for comfort, transporting him back to that night in Ul'dah. Himeka and Alphinaud, betrayed; all of them, forced to flee... ]

She worries that we will be caught up in this for our connections to the court and our dealings with the crown and its allies. She's offering us a way out.

Side bar: Istredd/Yennefer

[magicalarchaeologist]

[Istredd sends this telepathically after talking out loud.]

I know why you stayed behind before, but you don't have to do that now. I can look out for Ciri's interests here, for all three of you.

[ Ciri, Geralt, and Yennefer. All people he cares for, in varying degrees. ]

It may be wherever you go you'll be able to look out for her there too, in a different way. It's the smart play, you know it is.

following istredd and yennefer's chat

[funbreaker]

[ Thancred bids everyone stay safe and then leaves Istredd's domain shortly after, aware that he and Stephen have much work to do. They need to pack but lightly, taking only the essentials. The privacy of Stephen's room allows them to coordinate in relative safety; the room is warded, Thancred knows, and they will have to hope that is good enough.

But while he hopes that Istredd will be able to help Yennefer see reason, he doesn't know if it will be enough. Nor is he convinced that his own words will sway her any more effectively than a close companion from her home star.

Yet he owes it to her to try, and so when his bag is packed and he feels as prepared as he can be in this situation, he sends out a message to her. ]

Yennefer,
I would like to speak with you before I leave. Let me know when you are free to do so.

[ If he dresses it up as bidding her farewell, perhaps she'll agree to the meeting, though he's certain she'll know the truth of his purpose all the same. ]